Learn Everything You Need to Know About Electronic Medical Records (EMR)
| EMRs | EHRs |
| A patient chart in digital form | All patient health information is stored digitally. |
| Patient records are difficult to transport outside of the practice and may need to be printed. | Allows a patient’s medical records to be transferred to other health care providers and specialists. |
| A provider’s primary tool for diagnosis, treatment, and care. | Accessed by any number of providers for decision making, diagnosis, and care outside of the office of a single provider |
Both are required on a patient’s care continuum. The EMR keeps a complete record of care within a practice, and the EHR makes that care available to a variety of healthcare providers, including hospitals, as needed.
The Benefits of an EMR
Benefits of EMRs for PATIENTS:
• Fewer errors on medical records
• Quicker assessment and care from medical professionals
• Data and results are tracked over time
• Improved health diagnosis, treatment, and overall quality of care
• Improved patient care and reduced patient errors
• Evidence-based decisions at the point of care
• Follow-up information after a visit such as self-care instructions, reminders for other follow-up care, and links to web resources
• Access to patient’s own records to view medications and keep up with lifestyle changes that have improved their health